Just one hour a week may seem a small commitment, but for a primary-school-aged child, that consistent time with a trusted adult can be life-changing.
Each week in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, members of St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Mount Barker step beyond their congregation’s walls to participate in Kids Hope: a structured, one-to-one mentoring program that links schools and congregations to offer children steady encouragement and care.
St Mark’s is one of four Lutheran congregations in South Australia involved in Kids Hope. Most partnerships are with public schools, making the connection between St Mark’s Lutheran Church and St Mark’s Lutheran School a rare collaboration.
From the school’s perspective, the impact has been ‘deeply meaningful’, says Deputy Principal Rachel Harrip. ‘Partnering with mentors from St Mark’s congregation provides our students with consistent encouragement, care and positive role modelling. This strengthens our students’ confidence and sense of belonging.’
St Mark’s member and retired early childhood educator Jane Hill has been involved for almost a decade. She began as a mentor and now coordinates the program for St Mark’s, supporting volunteers and liaising with the school.
Over the years, Jane has walked alongside five children, meeting each one for an hour a week during school terms. ‘When you’re given a student, that’s the only child you support,’ she explains. ‘You stay with them until they finish primary school. A connection forms so easily. There’s anticipation of the visit and obvious enjoyment during the time together.’
Mentoring isn’t about solving every problem. It is about presence, listening and sharing small moments.
The benefits flow both ways. Mentors often speak of the privilege of being invited into a child’s world – through games, conversation, reading or simple shared activities. For Jane, cooking is a favourite weekly ritual. ‘The children love it,’ she says. ‘Sometimes we’d keep a part of what we made to give to someone elderly or lonely. It was a way to show the child the joy of thinking of others.’
For Jane, the reward is mutual. ‘I feel blessed as the mentor as well,’ she reflects.
Fellow mentor Vicki McNeil has also seen how small, consistent care can make a difference. She recalls a young girl who loved reading, games and crafts. One day, the child asked, ‘Do you just visit me?’ Vicki replied, ‘Just you – you’re special.’ At the end of the year, the girl gifted her a succulent plant with a sign: ‘Thanks for helping me grow.’
Jane has also seen the lasting impact of mentoring. Last year, a former mentee in the program reached out. ‘She is now in Year 10 and looks back fondly on our time together,’ says Jane.
Through Kids Hope, St Mark’s congregation lives out the simple yet profound gift of presence – nurturing confidence and connection that extend far beyond a single hour.
